Even former President Barack Obama took to Twitter Wednesday to deliver a short video reminding people that it's time to pick coverage for next year.

The health care law has survived funding cuts and congressional repeal attempts so far. Most Americans are still required to get health insurance, and they can find plans — including some generous subsidies — through state-based marketplaces or exchanges, including HealthCare.gov .

That said, some prices have skyrocketed and choices have narrowed in many markets, in part because of political bickering over the health law.

"It's a very delicate subject when you're dealing with someone's health and if the plan doesn't work, you're stuck with it for the next year," said Dallas-based broker Tanya Boyd.

FEWER HELPERS AVAILABLEIt may be harder to find someone willing to answer questions.

President Donald Trump's administration has slashed funding for "navigator" positions created to help people enroll. It also has ended contracts for another program that brought assistance into libraries and neighborhoods in 18 cities.

There may even be fewer agents willing to help, because of an industry-wide move to reduce commissions.

The federal HealthCare.gov website has a "Find Local Help" button on its home page. Customers also can call 1-800-318-2596.

PRICES: EXPECT HIKESPremiums for popular "silver" level plans are climbing an average of 34 percent in the 39 state marketplaces that operate through HealthCare.gov, according to the consulting firm Avalere. That pushes the average monthly bill to $743 from $554 this year for single coverage for a 50-year-old shopper.

Milwaukee Police Release Video of Sterling Brown Incident

The average price for more expensive gold coverage is rising 16 percent. Cheaper bronze plans will climb 18 percent.

Average premiums, or the price of coverage, will climb in most markets, but the size of price changes will vary widely.

MORE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEIncome-based tax credits are calculated based on the cost of silver plans, so those credits are expected to climb, and that will funnel more help to people, especially those with lower incomes.

There, insurers in some states are expected to sell cheaper versions of the silver plans, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies health care issues.

DON'T BLOW IT OFFThe health law still requires most Americans to buy coverage that complies with the law or face a penalty that can top $1,000 depending on income.

The IRS is paying attention, said Kelley Turek of the trade group America's HealthInsurance Plans. She noted that the federal agency is reminding income tax filers that it will reject or suspend any returns that don't indicate whether the taxpayer had coverage.